Home Hardening

Home hardening is the term used to describe building materials used to resist the intrusion of flames or embers projected by a wildland fire. It can be applied to new construction or for retrofitting an older home. Home hardening considers the relationship between your home and its exposure to nearby combustible features such as vegetation, vehicles, accessory buildings, or even miscellaneous structures like a fence.

Preparing (hardening) your home for wildfire involves understanding the risks and taking proactive steps. Your home can be threatened by:

• Direct flames: Typically coming from a wildfire or a neighboring house
• Radiant heat: Typically coming from nearby burning objects
• Flying embers: Embers can be particularly destructive – capable of igniting homes up to a mile away.

Increase your home’s chances of survival when wildfire strikes by following our home hardening guidelines below.

Home Retrofitting Information

Explore affordable retrofitting options from CAL Fire to enhance your home’s defense against wildfires in California.

• Low-Cost Retrofit List
• Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide
• Guía de Adaptación Viviendas en Caso de Incendios Forestales